Report: Patriots trade Cannon to Texans

The New England Patriots are trading right tackle Marcus Cannon to the Houston Texans, sources told the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The teams will also swap picks in the fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds, a league source told Jim McBride of the Boston Globe.

The deal clears $7,056,250 off the Patriots' salary cap in 2021 while eating $2,566,668 in dead money, according to Over The Cap.

Cannon, 32, opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns.

New England drafted the TCU product in the fifth round of the 2011 draft. He's played in 115 games with 69 starts over nine seasons.

The move comes as new Texans general manager Nick Caserio, a former Patriots executive, attempts to fix a roster that finished 4-12 last campaign.

Cannon's presence should bolster Houston's offensive line entering next season. It could also produce a battle for the starting right tackle job between Cannon and former first-round selection Tytus Howard. The nine-year veteran may also be in line for a move to guard.

Meanwhile, New England recently traded for tackle Trent Brown. He's projected to contend for a starting spot alongside Michael Onwenu and Isaiah Wynn.

Earlier Sunday, Houston reportedly acquired pass-rusher Shaq Lawson from the Miami Dolphins for linebacker Benardrick McKinney.

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